Peralta’s silver anniversary opens PFW ‘09

Author: Earl D.C. Bracamonte, Contributor
Column: Life

Fashion designer Frederick Peralta celebrated his 25th anniversary by presenting fabulously concocted creations on a crimson runway at the spacious SMX Convention Center main function room. His gala show formally greenlighted the Philippine Fashion Week (PFW) for spring/summer 2009.

The collection opened with a strapless, pale green bouffant number with floral embroidery, held in place by a lime-colored sash. The fashion parade unveiled creations culled from the femininity, romance and richness of weddings featuring a variety of designs catering to all persuasions.

Among the notable ones were: an immaculate, accordion-pleated cape over lace pants and frilled top; a be-ribboned sleeved frock with a paneled hemline; a pinstriped suit with a dotted skirt; a corset gown with a stone-encrusted bodice; an anthurium-decked smock; corded lace back-revealing gown with bouffant train; a sleeveless empire-cut ensemble with a lace skirt and pearl-studded neckline; a fairy tale ensemble with mutton sleeves and ruffle-trimmed hemline; a mid-rib, halter-strapped bubble gown; an uneven tent dress with cascading hemline; a pleated lilac body-revealing gown with scooped back; a multi-tiered bubble gown with a crushed bodice and a delicious rose-covered column with scooped back.

Textures and patterns were layered with skill using an eclectic mix of fabrics. These were also embellished with precious detailing, from needlework to intricate beadworking. The pieces sparkled with luxury and glamour.

The evening’s most dramatic pieces included a body-hugging, turtle-necked, fully sequined alabaster column with ruffled cuff and plume headdress; a cream bustier with billowing layers cascading from a beaded neckline; a beaded bra top over layered sequined skirt; a Grecian toga with a modern twist, fitted and nipped at the waist; an ornately beaded trumpet-skirted gown with a gossamer overlay; a panel gown with shell-designed folded front and back overlay; an immaculate column with a layered floral neckline; an asymmetrical capiz shell-inspired number; and the picture-perfect book-leaf tube gown sashaying with layers of rounded cut-outs at the hemline, truly a difficult piece to wear and move in!

Menswear came in monochromes or duo-tones and layers including a black-on-black three-piece formal ensemble with silk piping and checkered coat and tie coordinates.

The anniversary pieces were splayed out in a tasteful silver ballgown with a gem-encrusted bodice and embroidered skirt; a Mao suit with a silver tie; and a silver glitter-dusted shawl over buttoned cut-out hemline. Garments came in a myriad of colors wrought into fresh combinations of cut, form and proportion. The collection was chic and sexy and carried the charm and sophistication befitting pieces meant for very special occasions.

The ramifications of silver were echoed in perfectly-cut male ensembles: A metallic-hued suit, a red and gray plaid number, a printed textured suit; a reptile skin coat and tie; and a charcoal gray suit.

Of course, the creations that shone the brightest were those worn by the stars. Angel Aquino led the parade in a gilded 1950s glamour piece with a plunging bodice and back line culminating in a train. Dr. Hayden Kho was dashing in a bow-tied tux shirt ensemble. Beauty queen Carlene Aguilar looked resplendent in a bosom-revealing lace gown with a cascading train. Will Devaughn was ultra-cool in an off-white dinner jacket. Noontime show host Valerie Concepcion glided down the ramp in a pleated corset ensemble with a feathered sequin skirt and cropped bolero, while co-host Marielle Rodriguez wore an ecru strapless gown with a crumple-draped skirt. In similar form, chanteuse Agot Isidro breezed through the catwalk in a floral-decked bustier with ruched-drape skirt.

Framed by four adorable flower girls, Wilma Doesnt shone in a black and white Cruella de Ville barebacked bouffant bridal ensemble with a red obi sash. Sultry siren Joyce Jimenez was a looker in a low-backed, scooped neck, Barbie-inspired sequined wedding dress joined by a coterie of nine ring bearers and flower girls with one who didn’t want to leave the stage.

Assunta de Rossi-Ledesma looked regal in a golden, fully beaded, Grace Kelly-inspired ensemble, perfectly bringing to a close the fabulous collection.

Now on its 11th year, the PFW is the premiere and largest fashion event in the country. Now staged bi-annually by Runway Productions, the event aims to unify the country’s fashion scene in celebrating, first and foremost, the ingenuity of the Filipino talent — from the who’s who in Philippine fashion to emerging brands and designers slated to become the industry’s next big names.

With years of trend-setting expertise behind it, the PFW has evolved into the certified launch pad for local fashion, beauty, entertainment and lifestyle brands. Aside from providing its diverse audience with a preview of up-to-date fashion trends combining style and fashion, PFW aims to be the catalyst that might propel the country into the mainstream global arena.

Interested parties may visit the designer’s shop at 1960 Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila or simply call tel. no. 536-9264, mobile no. 0917-8455117 and/or e-mail frederickperalta@yahoo.com.

Source: The Daily Tribune

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